Afternoon Drive withJoanne Joseph

South Africa has one of the highest incidences of rape in the world. The Medical Research Council has estimated that only one in nine rapes are reported to the police. Thus the actual numbers of rapes in SA is much higher than numbers recorded by the police. Victims are encouraged to report rape.

Rape Crisis Counselling Coordinator, Shiralee McDonald spoke to John Robbie about how victims can deal with a rape incident.

Rape is a crime on the body and unfortunately the evidence is on the body.

— Shiralee McDonald, Rape Crisis Counselling Coordinator

Listen to the conversation below:

What to do if you are raped:

Go to a safe place, as soon as possible

Tell someone, for a support system and someone to back you in court

Do not wash yourself - you may be washing off evidence

Go to a hospital/ doctor or community health centre if you are injured

Report the rape to the nearest police station to the attack

Get a forensic examination - part of the police investigation

Get medical treatment - within 72 hours get a morning after pill, an HIV test, anti-retroviral treatment to prevent HIV infection and antibiotics to prevent an STI (sexually transmitted infection)

For more on how to handle a rape incident or support, get in touch with Rape Crisis Center on 021 447 9762